DIY Adorable Pinch Pot Vases: Two Easy Techniques for Beginners

Updated at: 31/01/2025

Unleash your inner artist and create charming, handcrafted vases that will add a touch of rustic elegance to your home! Pinch pots, a time-honored pottery technique, are surprisingly simple to master, even for complete beginners. These adorable little vessels offer a fantastic opportunity to personalize your décor with unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Forget expensive store-bought options; with just a little clay and a few simple tools, you can craft beautiful pinch pot vases in no time. The satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands is incredibly rewarding, and the finished products make perfect gifts or stunning additions to your own space.

This guide will walk you through two easy-to-follow techniques for making your own pinch pot vases, perfect for a relaxing afternoon crafting project. Whether you're aiming for a minimalist modern look or a whimsical, rustic feel, these techniques offer the flexibility to create vases that reflect your personal style. Ready to get your hands dirty and start creating? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Safety Guidelines

  • Always use adult supervision, especially with children. Clay can be messy and the kiln (if using one) is extremely hot.
  • Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated. Clay dust can be irritating to the lungs.
  • If using a kiln, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Improper use can cause injury or damage to the kiln.

Methods: Egg-Shaped Pinch Pot Vase with Added Neck

Tools Needed

  • Air-dry terracotta clay (reinforced with nylon fibers)
  • Water
  • Waterproofing agent
  • Spray paint
  • Acrylic paint
  • Posca paint pens
  • Mod Podge

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Forming the Egg Shape

    • Make a ball of clay and pinch it out into two bowls.
    • Score the lips of both bowls and stick them together, blending the seams.
    Score the lips of both bowls and stick them together, blending the seams.Score the lips of both bowls and stick them together, blending the seams.
    Forming the Egg Shape

  2. Creating and Attaching the Neck

    • Create a sausage-shaped piece of clay for the neck, squish it flat, and blend the edges.
    • Score the top of the vase and the neck, then attach the neck with water, blending thoroughly.
    Score the top of the vase and the neck, then attach the neck with water, blending thoroughly.Score the top of the vase and the neck, then attach the neck with water, blending thoroughly.
    Creating and Attaching the Neck

  3. Waterproofing

    • Apply a waterproofing agent inside the vase.
    Apply a waterproofing agent inside the vase.
    Waterproofing

  4. Painting the Vase

    • Spray paint the vase with an even coat.
    • Paint faces on the vase using acrylic paint and add details with Posca pens.
    Paint faces on the vase using acrylic paint and add details with Posca pens.Paint faces on the vase using acrylic paint and add details with Posca pens.
    Painting the Vase

  5. Sealing

    • Seal the paint with Mod Podge.
    Seal the paint with Mod Podge.
    Sealing

Tips

  • Using two bowls allows for creating a narrow top and bottom, achieving a specific vase shape.
  • Blending takes time and patience for a smooth finish.
  • The nylon-reinforced clay is less prone to breakage when creating small details.

Methods: Chubby Pinch Pot Vase with Creature Design

Tools Needed

  • Air-dry terracotta clay (reinforced with nylon fibers)
  • Water
  • Waterproofing agent
  • Acrylic paint
  • Posca paint pens
  • Mod Podge

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Constructing the Chubby Vase

    • Pinch out two balls of clay and stick them together to form the main body.
    • Add arms by shaping small pieces of clay, scoring contact points, and blending.
    Add arms by shaping small pieces of clay, scoring contact points, and blending.Add arms by shaping small pieces of clay, scoring contact points, and blending.
    Constructing the Chubby Vase

  2. Creating the Orange Friend

    • Create a small orange friend by rolling a ball and adding leaves.
    Create a small orange friend by rolling a ball and adding leaves.
    Creating the Orange Friend

  3. Waterproofing the Vase

    • Apply a waterproofing agent inside the vase.
    Apply a waterproofing agent inside the vase.
    Waterproofing the Vase

  4. Painting and Detailing

    • Paint faces and add details as in the previous method.
    Paint faces and add details as in the previous method.
    Painting and Detailing

  5. Sealing the Design

    • Seal the paint with Mod Podge.
    Seal the paint with Mod Podge.
    Sealing the Design

Tips

  • The nylon-reinforced clay helps prevent breakage of small details like the orange and leaves.

Read more: DIY Mini Clay Dragons: 3 Easy Variations for Beginners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Walls too thin

Reason: Pinch pots can become fragile if the walls are too thin during construction.
Solution: Use more clay and pinch more gently to create thicker, more stable walls.

2. Uneven walls

Reason: Inconsistent pinching pressure leads to uneven thickness and an asymmetrical vase.
Solution: Rotate the pot frequently while pinching and maintain even pressure to create a uniform shape.

3. Cracks during drying/firing

Reason: Rapid drying or uneven moisture content can cause cracks.
Solution: Allow the pots to dry slowly and evenly, covering them with plastic to maintain humidity.

FAQs

What kind of clay is best for pinch pot vases?
Air-dry clay is easiest for beginners as it doesn't require a kiln. However, you can also use earthenware or stoneware clay if you have access to a kiln for firing.
How do I prevent cracks in my pinch pot vase while it's drying?
Dry your pinch pots slowly! Avoid direct sunlight or heat. Cover loosely with a damp cloth or plastic bag if the air is very dry. Turning the pot periodically can also help.
What are some ways to decorate my finished pinch pot vase?
Once completely dry (or fired if using kiln clay), you can paint them with acrylics, add textured elements (like stamps or beads), use glaze (kiln-fired clay only), or even add simple embellishments like ribbon or twine.